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Tapping into a Deep Inner World
There is a widespread misconception about Christian songwriting that suggests if you acquire a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, you can conveniently skip the laborious process of acquiring the skills needed to create impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying on tips and tricks alone is not enough for a devoted Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep and meaningful connection with God, which serves as a wellspring of inspiration. When you possess this connection and have strong songwriting skills, you don't need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write effectively with clarity and confidence is always accessible when you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit within your heart.
The picture was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern culture of instant gratification through technology has influenced us to expect quick and effortless results, making us believe that we can possess the same abilities as CHATGPT or AI. We have this notion that we should be able to input a few prompts and instantly generate a song that will impress everyone in less than three seconds.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts or easy methods. These successful songwriters are skilled practitioners who communicate at a profound level through their art of Christian songwriting. They don't simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally produce a masterpiece like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the arrival of the successful individuals, they were already devotedly learning and striving to become experts in their field. They consistently dedicated themselves to understanding the techniques of creating impactful lyrics and harmonies, shaping them into captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with the emotions of their audience. They aimed to create something truly remarkable and indescribable, yet undeniably captivating, that would leave a lasting impression on anyone who listened.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the harder I work and dedicate myself to practicing, the more fortunate I become in my performances.
These individuals are not actively seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and motivated songwriters who are already committed to their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in order to achieve the highest level of poetic and lyrical excellence. Unlike most aspiring writers who lack the same level of dedication, these men and women are investing their time and effort to create at a much superior standard.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine where we would be without the powerful song "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone" by Chris Tomlin. However, it is important to remember that these talented writers have dedicated many years to developing their skills and have faced numerous challenges in perfecting their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks without practice and time, including up-and-coming artist Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was only fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained sudden popularity, this is not the case. Katy has been working on her music for many years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and success!
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are various methods you can employ to nurture and enrich your inner life. Here are three important factors to consider while striving to enhance and articulate your faith through your music.
It is important to make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, our lives are filled with chaos and we often have very little time to take care of ourselves. While it is important to be caring and helpful towards others, it is equally important to ensure that we don't neglect our own need for rest and rejuvenation. Taking care of ourselves is crucial for maintaining our inner well-being, which is closely tied to the care we give to our outer life and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their minds and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only crucial aspects of a holy life. However, the most accomplished songwriters are avid readers. They understand that writing remarkable lyrics is impossible without first immersing themselves in the written word. If you haven't continued reading beyond college or even high school, it is essential for you to pick up books again. Simply consuming fear-inducing news from television networks or cable channels does not suffice. If your aim is to write something impactful and lasting, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear in order to increase their ratings. Even the religious channels thrive on provoking anger in their viewers to keep them engaged and exposed to their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative commentators also rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their jobs. However, the constant stream of negativity they perpetuate is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and hinder your creativity. I suggest abstaining from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and instead, spend that time in quiet contemplation, reflecting on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positive outlook starts to overflow into your music. Negativity not only steals your joy but also amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow Jesus' Spirit to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and numerous others express their artistry and create music inspired by their deep connection with God. However, their achievements and popularity are also a result of their talent and proficiency as Christian songwriters. It reminds me of the well-known statement by Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner self. It is crucial to offer something fresh, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply relying on cliché expressions and ideas that have been repeated for years.
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